HARTFORD >> An image of a political sticker seen inside a Hartford patrol car and circulated on social media prompted an apology Sunday from the police department’s leaders.

“We, the HPD command staff, were made aware of the irresponsible application of a political sticker in an HPD patrol car yesterday morning. We immediately addressed it,” Deputy Police Chief Brian J. Foley said in a statement.

Foley added that members of the department have reached out individually to people in the community to apologize and an internal investigation will be conducted.

“The sticker, which was conspicuously affixed to the top of an HPD laptop computer within the marked patrol vehicle, has been removed. The officer was counseled on the critical importance of remaining neutral and impartial. We also reminded all HPD officers to remain politically neutral. Specific daily roll call training is being given at all shifts,” Foley’s statement said.

“I am, and we are, embarrassed and sorry for this lack of professionalism and judgment.”